PIA Press Release2010/01/22

Flood claims 3 lives, affects 52,746 persons in Agusan del Sur

Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (22 January) -- The continuous rain that caused floods in several areas in this landlocked province, particularly those in the river towns, has now claimed three lives and victims swelled to 10,742 families or 52,746 individuals.

Damage to infrastructure and agricultural crops also rise as 35 barangays are reported submerged by flash floods.

Provincial officials, led by Gov. Maria Valentina Plaza, spearheaded the social welfare and disaster personnel along with rescue teams from the provincial, municipal disaster councils in conducting rescue and relief operations.

Latest report reaching the disaster action center here stated that La Paz town have the highest number of persons affected with 18,534 from eight barangays. Of the number, 3,314 families and five houses were damaged in Barangay Comota, and Sabang Adgawan.

Prosperidad, the capital town of this province, also suffered severe flooding with 17,880 persons or 3,576 families from 11 affected barangays.

In nearby San Francisco town, nine barangays were affected with 3,523 families or 14,358 persons while in San Luis town seven barangays are reported submerged by flood water with 329 families or 1,974 persons also affected.